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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within your breast. You can have one or many breast cysts. They're often described as round or oval lumps with distinct edges. In texture, a breast cyst usually feels like a soft grape or a water-filled balloon, but sometimes a breast cyst feels firm.
Breast cysts are common in women in their 30s and 40s. If you have breast cysts, they usually disappear after menopause, unless you're taking hormone therapy.
Breast cysts don't require treatment unless a cyst is large and painful or otherwise uncomfortable. In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease your symptoms.
- Non-cancerous breast conditions. American Cancer Society. http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6X_Non_Cancerous_Breast_Conditions_59.asp?sitearea. Accessed April 7, 2010.
- Lucas JH, et al. Breast cyst aspiration. American Family Physician. 2003;68:1983.
- Sabel MS. Overview of benign breast disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Courtillot C, et al. Benign breast diseases. Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia. 2005;10:325.
- Understanding breast changes: A health guide for women. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/understanding-breast-changes. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Laronga C, et al. Breast cysts: Diagnosis and management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2010.
- Miltenberg DM, et al. Benign breast disease. Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2008;35:285.
- Pruthi S, et al. Vitamin E and evening primrose oil for management of cyclical mastalgia: A randomized pilot study. Alternative Medicine Reviews. 2010;15:59.
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